Geochemical Surveys

Geochemical surveys are used as a tool in the exploration of an area to determine the presence and quality of hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbons in deep reservoirs are typically detected in near surface sediments along faults and other features related to migration pathways. Gardline has worldwide experience of conducting geochemical surveys, has developed tools and methods to accurately identify these areas of geochemical interest and the collection of the high quality sediment samples necessary for subsequent laboratory analysis and interpretation.

Hot spot identification

Gardline’s specialised divisions work together to provide a bespoke package for the client, which starts with the collection of high resolution acoustic data, including:

Multibeam data – to detect pockmarks and plumes in the water column

Subbottom data – to detect faults and potential seep areas.

Our camera systems integrated with additional sensors are also offered to our clients for the use of ground truthing the acoustic data and identify additional proxies for the presence of hydrocarbon to provide added confidence and reliability of the primary data sets from which the sediment stations are selected.

Target selection

The data sets are brought together on the vessel in near real time using GEOFUSION Gardline’s in house software. This enables us to overlay and cross reference data offshore to quickly and efficiently sort through potential areas of interest and identify their value for subsequent sediment sampling operations.

Sediment and sub sampling

Gardline’s geotechnical expertise are utilised to recover undisturbed sediment samples from water depths up to 5,000m worldwide. Our specialised scientists on the vessel will subsample the recovered cores using strict handling regimes to ensure the integrity of the sample from collection until arrival at the onshore laboratory.

Laboratory and data interpretation

Gardline employ specialised analytical laboratory’s to perform a wide range of analysis including the basic analyses quantity of free gaseous (headspace) and liquid hydrocarbons (chromatography and fluorescence), and the more complex detailed evaluation of hydrocarbons (biomarkers in saturated and aromatic fractions) and carbon isotopes. The data is will be presented and interpreted in a bespoke report which can be tailored to our clients needs.